If you’re a traveler who believes that the journey is just as exciting as the destination, Europe’s railways are calling your name.
Beyond the classic routes and tourist-heavy options, there lies a network of train journeys that piece together unforgettable experiences, from sweeping coastlines to alpine landscapes. Inspired by the freedom of old-school hop-on-hop-off passes, here’s how you can create your own exceptional train journey across Europe.
1. Fjords to Peaks: Norway to Switzerland
Ever dreamed of a journey that takes you from the heart of Norway’s dramatic fjords straight into the snowy embrace of the Swiss Alps? Here’s your chance.
Start in Bergen, Norway’s gem on the coast, and board the Bergen Railway to Oslo. This ride is more than a connection; it’s an experience packed with rugged mountain views and deep fjord valleys. Once in Oslo, hop on an overnight train heading south to Hamburg, Germany. Sleeping on a train? It’s a travel dream that saves you time and money.
Next stop: From Hamburg, grab a direct train to Zurich, Switzerland, where the landscape shifts to the snow-dusted Alps. But don’t stop there—board the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz, a journey famous for its panoramic windows that showcase dramatic cliff edges, green meadows, and mountain peaks that seem close enough to touch.
2. The Mediterranean Dash: Spain to Italy
Forget the planes and highway drives—this train route lets you soak in Europe’s sun-soaked coastlines and age-old towns at a blissful pace.
Start in Barcelona, Spain, where the Mediterranean breeze and Catalan charm set the tone. From here, take the train hugging the coastline to Marseille, France. As you pass beachside villages and vineyards, the view is so stunning that you might find yourself glued to the window.
From Marseille, head east to Genoa, Italy—a city that whispers stories of maritime glory and the Italian Riviera. Keep your journey rolling by hopping on a train bound for Cinque Terre, where you can pause for a day to explore colorful cliffside villages before continuing your Italian adventure.
3. The Eastern Elegance: Prague to Transylvania
If castles, folklore, and dramatic landscapes tick your travel boxes, then this route is a must.
Start your journey in Prague, the city of spires and stories. Board a train to Budapest, Hungary, where neo-Gothic buildings line the Danube and thermal baths invite you for a soak. From Budapest, take a sleeper train south to Brasov, Romania, nestled in the Carpathian Mountains and brimming with medieval charm. This leg is like traveling through a storybook, especially when you spot Bran Castle—associated with the Dracula legend—looming in the distance.
4. Nordic Wonders: Helsinki to Copenhagen
Ever thought about crossing the sea on a train journey? This one blends land, sea, and stunning Scandinavian scenes.
Start in Helsinki, Finland, and catch the train to Turku, where you board an overnight ferry to Stockholm, Sweden. The morning sunrise over the Baltic Sea is worth the trip alone. Once in Stockholm, take a train to Malmö, and then cross the Öresund Bridge to Copenhagen, Denmark—a feat of engineering that feels surreal as you move from sea to land.
5. Alpine and Adriatic Adventure: Vienna to Dubrovnik
Who says you can’t have mountains and the sea in one trip?
Begin in Vienna, Austria, a city steeped in imperial elegance. From there, board a train to Ljubljana, Slovenia, a hidden European gem with charming canals and lush landscapes. The journey doesn’t end there; continue south to Zagreb, Croatia, before catching a scenic rail route to the coastal town of Split. Here, transfer to a bus or ferry for the final stretch to Dubrovnik, where medieval walls meet the turquoise Adriatic Sea.
Travel Tips for Your European Train Journey
- Flexibility is Key: While planning is essential, keep room for spontaneity. Regional trains often offer more flexible schedules, allowing for hop-on-hop-off experiences.
- Season Matters: For views that’ll take your breath away, consider traveling in the spring or early autumn when landscapes are lush, and crowds are fewer.
- Pack Smart: Bring layers for changing climates, especially when your journey crosses from northern to southern Europe.
A Front Row Seat to Europe’s Beauty
Europe’s train network isn’t just a means of transport—it’s a front-row seat to some of the continent’s most spectacular views and hidden stories. So, when you’re ready to piece together your own journey, think beyond the obvious. Take the path less traveled, and discover the joy of moving through Europe at the perfect speed: not too fast to miss the beauty, and not too slow to forget you’re exploring some of the world’s most extraordinary places.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Jean-Paul Wettstein.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
